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UEFA official Michele Uva discusses Italy’s stadium situation for EURO 2032

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Michele Uva, UEFA’s Director of Football and Social Responsibility, has shared his thoughts on Italy’s preparedness to host EURO 2032, which the country will co-host with Turkey. Uva highlighted the significant challenges Italy faces in terms of stadium infrastructure compared to Turkey.

“Five stadiums meeting international standards are needed for EURO 2032, with projects already approved and funded. At the moment, there’s only one ready – the Stadium in Turin. Rome’s Olimpico needs minor interventions, while the San Siro situation is more complicated,” Uva stated.

He expressed concern about the lack of progress since the tournament was awarded, saying, “A year has passed since the assignment, and not much progress has been made. We don’t just need five stadiums, though. If we focus only on those, the structural gap risks widening further. We should also invest in medium-small realities, with a more forward-looking policy for facilities. In Turkey, 13 new stadiums have been built in recent years, not just those that will host the European Championship.”

Regarding the contentious San Siro situation, Uva commented, “The English demolished Wembley, the Brazilians the Maracanã, and they were temples of football. In the end, we become attached to these stadiums, but we shouldn’t think they’re eternal. San Siro is beautiful, it’s a monument, but the two Milan teams, given their role and history, should each have their own home, modern and capable of producing resources, which San Siro, as it’s structured, currently cannot do.”

Uva also touched on other aspects of Italian football, including the introduction of B teams: “When B teams were introduced in Italy, there were many protests because people feared the disappearance of some local realities. Now, however, it’s clear how functional they are, as has been the case for years in Germany, Spain, France, and in a different way in England.”

He concluded by discussing UEFA’s role in scheduling: “Unfortunately, UEFA can do little because FIFA ultimately decides, and on certain issues, there’s not much to do. In the last eight years, however, we have made calendars more rational, and UEFA is raising awareness on this issue, even if the final decision always rests with FIFA.”

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